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Menopause at Work: Why the Conversation Matters

Written by Venngo Inc. | Sep 30, 2025 11:37:58 PM

For too long, menopause has been treated as a taboo subject, something women endure in silence. But times are changing. By 2030, nearly half of the global workforce1 will be impacted by menopause, yet conversations about it at work remain limited and that silence comes at a cost. 

Women in this stage of life are often at the peak of their careers and social life. They are leaders, mentors, innovators, and role models—while also playing vital roles in their families and communities. Supporting them means preserving knowledge, experience, and leadership that shapes not only workplaces, but also society as a whole.  

 
Why Support Matters 

Menopause is not a pause in life. It’s a natural transition that every woman will experience in her lifetime, and one that affects physical health, emotional wellbeing, and workplace performance. Without proper awareness and support, many women misinterpret their symptoms such as low mood, poor sleep and fatigue as simply “aging.” This can decrease self-confidence and take a toll on mental health, when in fact these symptoms are manageable with the right resources. 

 

The stats are telling: 

The gap is clear: women need support, and companies should be encouraged to step up. 

 
What Kind of Support is Needed 

The reality is that support for menopause must be holistic. Symptoms range widely, with over 40 are documented, and not every woman will experience them the same way. That means flexibility and empathy must be central to workplace policies. 

Some meaningful ways to help include: 

  • Policies & Programs: Flexible hours, remote work, paid sick days, and accommodations for medical appointments. 
  • Practical Solutions: Access to cooling devices such as fans, cold water, or wellness rooms. 
  • Culture & Awareness: Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), open conversations, and leadership training to remove stigma. 
  • Mental Health Support: EAP programs, counselling, and awareness that menopause impacts emotional as well as physical wellbeing. 

When workplaces normalize these conversations, they benefit everyone. Just as paternity leave reshaped how we view caregiving, menopause support can pave the way for healthier, more inclusive workplaces. Men can also take advantage of the learnings that they can take to their personal lives and share with the women they know beyond the workplace. 

 
Venngo Perks That Support the Transition 

At Venngo, we recognize that wellness extends beyond the workplace. Our platform offers a wide range of perks that can help women navigate this life stage with confidence and support, including: 

  • Wellness & Nutrition: ACE Nutrition, Thrive Nutrition, Smart Solutions, JM Nutrition, Bio Raw, Viome. 
  • Fitness & Movement: GoodLife Fitness, Garmin. 
  • Mental Health & Mindfulness: BetterHelp, Canadian Mindfulness Centre, Body & Soul Health Coaching. 
  • Beauty & Self-Care: Knix, Fresh Beauty, Dear Lucy Skincare, Valmont Cosmetics, Jade Holistic Spa, Elmwood Spa, WaySpa. 
  • Events & Learning: The National Menopause Show in Toronto. 

By offering these benefits, employers can empower employees to take care of their health, reduce stress, and feel supported both inside and outside the workplace. 

 
Voices from Venngo 

At Venngo, we also know that change begins within. Our W@VE  (Women at Venngo Empowered) ERG is a safe space where employees share experiences, resources, and support. Going forward, this topic is something we will incorporate into our regular meetings. A place where women can express the realities of menopause—anonymously or openly—helping colleagues understand what this transition truly feels like and how we can better support one another. We have helped each other navigate different areas of life in the past; this is something we are excited to add to our committee.

 

Who’s Leading the Way 

The good news? More and more organizations are stepping up. Companies like Sun Life, PwC Canada, BMO, L’Oréal Canada, IKEA Canada, Canadian Tire, Microsoft, Deloitte, SAP, and CIBC, to name only a few, have begun implementing menopause policies, wellness programs, and awareness campaigns. These organizations recognize that investing in women’s health is investing in business success. 

 

Breaking the Silence 

Menopause is not just a women’s issue—it’s a workplace issue, a family issue, and a societal issue. Breaking the silence means breaking the stigma. When women feel supported during this stage of life, they not only thrive personally but also continue to thrive professionally, enriching workplaces with their leadership, creativity, and resilience. 

It’s time we all joined the conversation. 

 

Sources and further reading 

  1. Menopause Works Here Campaign, Menopause Foundation of Canada, 2025 
  2. World Menopause Month 2024, Menopause Foundation of Canada, 2024 
  3. Understanding the Health Issues of Women in Midlife in partnership with Aimed Alliance, HR Research Institute, 2024 
  4. The business care for Menopause Benefits in the Workplace, SanoLiving, 2025 
  5. Understanding the definition and stages of Menopause, Canadian Menopause Society  
  6. Menopause 101, WhatsVMC.CA  
  7. Menopause in the Workplace, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 
  8. Making Menopause Work - Employer Guide, The Menopause Society 
  9. Self-Care and Menopause: it starts with you, Menopause Power 
  10. The business case for supporting employees through menopause, Forbes, 2024 
  11. How to Menopause by Tamsen Fadal 
  12. The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi, PhD 
  13. Magnificent Midlife by Rachel Lankester 
  14. Second Spring: The Self-Care Guide to Menopause by Kate Codrington 

  Reminders: 

  • Our perks are here for you; however, they vary by employer and are subject to change. 
  • Whenever dealing with health matters, it is always better to consult your doctor before making any changes. 
  • Perks are subject to change, and some perks are tailored to your organization prior to launching.